Dean Stepp, 79

Dean Edward Stepp of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away Oct. 26, 2023. Dean was born April 17, 1944, in Columbus, Ind. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Judy Stepp, and his children, their spouses and grandchildren: Bart, Cozette, Whitley and Karina; Blake, Ashley, Ellie, Emma and Franki; Laura, Jackson, Parker and Grace, and his dog, Bear. He is also survived by his twin sister, Deanna Stepp.

He was born in Columbus, Ind., and, like any good Hoosier, he loved basketball intensely. He was a three-sport star athlete in football, baseball and basketball. He ended up making basketball his career as a boys high school coach and physical education teacher for 30 years. He taught at Aloha High School, Lebanon High School and South Eugene High School in Oregon — coaching and developing the character of hundreds of young men over that time. He had the joy of coaching both of his sons, who became exceptional players in their own right.   

Dean graduated from Wabash College and immediately after graduating became a Marine Corps officer and served with the Marine Corps for three and a half years. He served in Vietnam in the DMZ and earned a Purple Heart. Upon his return stateside, he coached the Marine All West Coast basketball team out of Camp Pendleton. After completing service, Dean moved to Oregon to finish his education and begin his career. Though he spent most of his working life in Oregon, he and Judy owned a summer house in Harrison, Idaho, for 20 years where they spent summers before eventually retiring in Coeur d’Alene.

Dean was nothing if not a powerful personality and iconic character all his own. He wrote in all caps and often spoke in them too. He was a man with serious passions. He loved his wife, kids, grandkids and his dogs. He was an avid bass fisherman and fished tournaments all around the Pacific Northwest, winning trophies and simply enjoying the water. He recycled before recycling was ever a formal program. He believed in humility and discipline and had high standards. He taught his kids that there was no such word as “can’t.” He maintained a meticulous home garden and grew the biggest tomatoes in town. He had a dry sense of humor, shared mostly through a twinkle in his eye and the look on his face. Dean put his print on the world, and we are all thankful for it.

His interment will be at Washington State Veterans Cemetery.

Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Homes.

Online registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.